Divorce can be a complicated process, and your decisions during this time are certain to affect you and your family’s future. When you and your spouse resolve to work together through the divorce process, there are steps you can take that will allow you to protect your interests and resolutions that will help to provide you with security.
In an amicable divorce, both parties are committed to seeking a reasonable and beneficial outcome suitable for everyone involved. In order to make this possible, you and your partner need to be transparent regarding your finances and focus on solutions that will make the most sense in the long term. By committing to a goal of avoiding litigation and looking to what will be best in the future, you can reach an outcome that will give you the stability you need.
Dealing with conflict and seeking peace
If having an amicable divorce is your goal, there are specific ways you can deal with the conflict that is inherent in any divorce. You can each behave respectfully and seek a peaceful resolution.
If you choose an attorney who is specially trained in non-litigation methods of conflict resolution, s/he can help you to understand and practice actions aimed at intentionally diffusing tension and anxiety and keeping the focus on reaching a reasonable settlement. Some things you and your spouse can do to help:
- Avoid assuming the worst about the other party, and consider his/her needs and interests
- Avoid speaking out of anger, and refrain from speaking negatively about the other person in public, on social media and in front of your children.
- Stay focused on your goals and your priorities for the process, and know what your goals are when entering negotiations.
- Focus on seeking terms that allow for the most fair and reasonable outcome to your divorce. This does not necessarily mean a 50-50 split on everything.
- Find things to be thankful for and that you can look forward to while practicing empathy toward the other party.
These steps can help you achieve an outcome that is reasonable and sustainable long-term. With the right legal help, and the right motivations and goals, an amicable divorce is possible. Whether it is through direct negotiation, mediation or the Collaborative process, you can avoid the stressful and complex process of going to court in order to resolve your divorce.